Taking Up Your Cross
In Mark 8:34, Jesus calls us to take up our cross and follow Him. This challenge requires surrender, sacrifice, and a willingness to put His will above our own. The disciples exemplified this commitment in the book of Acts, boldly proclaiming the gospel despite persecution and hardship. They left behind their personal ambitions, dedicating their lives to spreading the message of Jesus, often without seeing the full impact of their labor. Their unwavering faith and trust in God's plan serve as an example for us today. In a broken world, we can display this same dedication by serving others selflessly, sharing the gospel with love and patience, and living out our faith through acts of kindness and integrity. Taking up our cross daily means aligning our desires with God’s, embracing His purpose, and trusting Him to work through us for His glory.
Tell the world about HIM!
you and I am praying over you!
Today's Scripture:
Mark 8:34 (NIV)
Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'
God's Guidance:
God calls us to die to our selfish desires and live for Him. Taking up our cross means embracing His purpose and trusting in His strength to carry us through challenges. Some of the selfish desires we must crucify daily include pride, the pursuit of worldly success, self-centeredness, and the need for approval from others. These desires can distract us from God's plan and hinder our spiritual growth. Instead, we should seek more of Jesus and less of ourselves, realizing that His love is the only thing we will ever truly need. When we let go of our selfish ambitions and submit fully to Him, we open our hearts to the fullness of His grace and are empowered to pour His love into others.
Application to Daily Life:
Reflect on areas where God is calling you to surrender. Each day, intentionally die to self by seeking more of Jesus through prayer, studying His Word, and serving others. Pray for strength and courage to take up your cross daily, asking God to remove selfish desires and replace them with His love and purpose. Make it your goal to let His Spirit lead your actions and thoughts, ensuring that every step you take is one of obedience and faithfulness to Him.
/div
